Grad week begins today

Special guest: Prof Mark Dry (right) received an honorary doctorate from the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Njabulo S Ndebele, at this morning's graduation ceremony.

This morning's cloudy weather marked a welcome cooler start to the week's year-end graduation ceremonies, good news for the first batch of 4 507 students and their families who packed the stately Jameson Hall.

In the spotlight this morning was Professor Mark Dry who was awarded an honorary doctorate. Dry is an honorary professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering.

This is the first of two honorary doctorates that will be awarded today. The second will be conferred on earth scientist Prof George Philander this afternoon.

At this morning's ceremony Dr Jenni Case of the Department of Chemical Engineering received her Distinguished Teacher Award.

Honoured: Dr Jenni Case of the Department of Chemical Engineering received her Distinguished Teacher Award.

Three students with disabilities will also graduate today. All are wheelchair users and two will use the hoist to lift them onto the podium to be capped.

Today Chris Day graduates with a BSc in mechanical engineering. At the 18h00 ceremony tonight, Nothandathu Gara will graduate with an MPhil in disability studies and Ronald Mothelisi will graduate with an MBChB.